Suture trimmer

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suture trimmer, the suture trimmer comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an axis therebetween, the shaft having a groove formed in the side thereof, the groove in communication with an opening formed in the side of the shaft, the opening disposed proximal the distal end. The suture trimmer further including a cutting member slidably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. Wherein the suture trimmer in accordance with the present invention may be additionally utilized to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/027,681, entitled “SUTURE TRIMMER” filed on Dec. 21, 2001,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,123 on Jul. 3, 2012. The precedingapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present-invention relates generally to surgical devices and methods.More particularly, the present invention relates to the construction anduse of devices for advancing surgical knot(s) and trimming the ends ofthe suture adjacent to the knot(s). Such a device is to be referred toas a “suture trimmer”, as used through the appended specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The closing of incisions and wounds using suture is a preferredtechnique of surgeons and many other physicians. While other techniquesare now available such as stapling, the use of “tissue glues,” and theuse of collagen for closing vascular punctures, the use of suture isoften preferred because it provides a reliable and tight closure of anywound. Additionally, if a suture is to fail, the surgeon will knowimmediately. In contrast, many of the other devices listed above whichmay not fail until some time after the procedure.

While the suturing of a wound is a relatively straight-forward procedurein most open surgical procedures, placement and tying of sutures inlaprascopic and other minimally invasive procedures can be problematic.In order to provide for suturing under such circumstances, a variety ofdevices have been developed for the remote placement and tying of suturethrough cannulas under video observation. Usually, a sliding knot willbe formed in a suture loop, a tool known as a “knot pusher” such as thatshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,929 the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference, is utilized to advance and position the knotand tighten the loop of suture.

Such knot pushing devices may also be utilized in recently developedtechniques for the remote suturing of vascular punctures. Punctures maybe formed in the femoral or other arteries to provide vascular accessfor performing angioplasty and other vascular procedures. Suchtechniques are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,699 and U.S. Pat. No.5,527,322 the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference.Such methods result in the placement of a suture loop through tissue onopposite sides of the vascular puncture. Two free ends of the sutureloop are brought out through a tissue tract leading to the puncture, andthe ends may be externally tied by the treating physician.Alternatively, a knot forming device such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,171,317, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference,may be utilized to tie a knot.

Through the use of a knot pusher, such as that shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,797,929 the knot may be advanced through the tissuetract so that it lies directly over the adventitial wall of the bloodvessel.

After the knot has been advanced over the adventitial wall of the bloodvessel and tightened, the excess suture must be cut away. Typically, asurgeon may utilize a scalpel or a pair of scissors to cut the sutureends just below the exterior surface of the patient's skin.

A concern with this method is that by leaving lengths of suture withinthe wound may lead to irritation of the incision. More significantly, arelatively long suture end, extending from the knot at the vessel repairto the-skin level, may act as a “wick” for infective microorganismswhich may be present at skin level. The wick would provide a conduit forthese microorganisms to travel from the skin surface to the vesselrepair, thereby leading to infection. Many times a surgeon cannot easilyshorten this cut length because the location of the knot is well belowthe patient's tissue and is not readily visible, therefore they can onlyshorten the suture to the point that they can visually see.

Further still, many surgical procedures are moving away from being openand toward being minimally invasive wherein the procedure is performedwithin a small opening formed in the patient's tissue. As describedabove, many times the surgeon cannot see the vessel which they aretrying to close with the suture.

Therefore there is a need for a device that will enable a surgeon toadvance a knot and trim the excess suture from the knot without havingto visually see the knot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturetrimmer, the suture trimmer including a shaft having a proximal end anda distal end and an axis therebetween, the shaft having a slot formed inthe side thereof, the slot in communication with an opening formed inthe side of the shaft, the opening disposed proximal the distal end. Thesuture trimmer further including a cutting member slidably disposedwithin the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within theshaft.

In accordance with another aspect in accordance with the presentinvention there is provided a method for trimming suture, the methodincluding the steps of disposing a suture loop within tissue of apatient, the suture loop including at least one knot and at least onefree end of suture. The method further including the step of disposingthe free end of suture through a groove and opening formed in a distalend of a suture trimmer, wherein a cutting member is actuated within thesuture trimmer, the cutting member configured to sever the suturedisposed in the opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which like numeralsdesignate like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away isometric view of the suture trimmer inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the cutting member in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the suture retainer inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of the distal tip of the suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention illustrating a sutureloop disposed therethrough and the suture retainer is in a retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of the distal tip of the suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention illustrating a sutureloop being disposed therethrough wherein the suture retainer is in adeployed position;

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the distal tip of the suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention illustrating a sutureloop being disposed therethrough wherein the cutting member has beenactivated;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the suture trimmer in accordancewith FIG. 8 illustrating the slider assembly disposed within the handle;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer inaccordance with FIG. 8, wherein a suture loop has been formed in apatient's tissue;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer ofFIG. 8, wherein the suture retainer has been retracted;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer ofFIG. 8, wherein the suture retainer has been rotated to align the freeends of the suture with the cutting edge formed in the opening of theshaft of the suture trimmer;

FIG. 13 is a partial view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer ofFIG. 8, wherein the suture retainer has been retracted;

FIG. 14 is perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of asuture trimmer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer inaccordance with FIG. 14 illustrating the elongated member in a retractedposition;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer inaccordance with FIG. 14, wherein the suture retainer has been retracedto retain at least one suture in the distal tip;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer inaccordance with FIG. 14, wherein an outer sheath of the suture trimmerhas been rotated to a cutting position; and

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the distal tip of the suture trimmer inaccordance with FIG. 14, wherein the outer sheath has been retracted totrim the suture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturetrimmer, the suture trimmer may be utilized by physicians in any of avariety of surgical procedures where suture loop has been formed intissue to close an incision or wound, or for any other purpose. Aslidable knot will be formed in the suture loop, and the suture trimmeris used to engage and advance the knot over a free end of the suture toclose the suture loop. The knot can then be tightened by pulling on theother free end of the suture. The free ends of the suture may then betrimmed adjacent to the knot by actuating the cutting member of thesuture trimmer.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of asuture trimmer in accordance with the present invention. The suturetrimmer comprises a shaft assembly having a proximal end and distal end,a handle disposed at the proximal end of the shaft, a first and secondlever extending from the handle, wherein the first lever and secondlever are operatively associated with a cutting member and a sutureretaining device respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the suture trimmer includes a shaft assembly 20. Theshaft assembly 20 includes an elongated member 25 having a proximal end21 and a distal end 22. An opening 23 is formed in the elongated member25 adjacent to the distal end 22. A fitting 50 may be disposed adjacentto the distal end 22 of the shaft assembly 20. The fitting 50 having across-sectional size no greater than that of the elongated member 25.The fitting 50 further including a groove formed therein, wherein thegroove is adapted to receive at least one length of suture therethrough.In a preferred embodiment, the groove is configured to receive at leasttwo sutures therethrough. The distal face of the fitting 50 isconfigured to engage a knot formed in a suture loop, thereby enablingthe suture trimmer 10 to be utilized as a knot pusher and advance theknot to an incision site. The face of the fitting may be formed having aconvex, concave, or flat surface. Alternatively, the face may be formedat an angle relative to an axis extending through the shaft assembly.

The fitting may be retained within the bore of the elongated memberthrough the use of mechanical fasteners or suitable adhesives. It isfurther contemplated that the fitting may be formed onto the elongatedmember utilizing a molding process. Alternatively, the fitting andelongated member may be integrally formed. The fitting is preferablyfabricated of a bio-compatible material, such as metal or plastic.

The shaft assembly 20 further comprises a cutting member 60 and a sutureretaining member 28 disposed within the bore of the elongated member.The cutting member 60 and the suture retaining member 28 may be retainedwithin the bore of the elongated member coaxially, though it iscontemplated that they may be retained in other manners, such as,side-by-side or offset. Both the cutting member 60 and the sutureretaining member 28 are slidably disposed within the bore of theelongated member.

As shown in FIG. 3 the cutting member 60 comprises an elongated memberhaving a proximal end and a distal end 62. An cutting edge 63 is formedwithin the cutting member 60 adjacent to the distal end 62. A lever 45is coupled to the cutting member 60 adjacent to the proximal end. Thelever 45 is further configured to engage a biasing member 42 as shown inFIG. 2.

The cutting member 60 may be constructed of a bio-compatible material,such that the material chosen is capable of having a sufficiently sharpcutting edge 63 formed therein. For example, surgical stainless steelmay be utilized as well as titanium. Furthermore, it is contemplatedthat the cutting member may comprise one or more elements coupledtogether. For example the shaft of the cutting member may be constructedof a bio-compatible material such as plastic and the cutting edge 63 maybe formed of metal wherein the two pieces are combined to form a singleelement.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the suture retainer inaccordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the sutureretainer 28 includes a proximal end, a distal end 27, and a sutureprotector 26. The suture protector 26 disposed adjacent the distal end27 of the suture retainer 28. A lever 41 is connected to the proximalend 29 of the suture retainer 28. The lever is configured to be slidablyreceived within the handle 33 as shown in FIG. 2. The lever 41 isfurther configured to receive a biasing member 47, wherein the biasingmember retains the suture retainer in a position wherein the sutureretainer projects into the opening 23 formed in the elongated member ofthe shaft assembly 20.

The suture retainer may be constructed of a bio-compatible material suchas metal or plastic. In a preferred embodiment the suture retainer isconstructed of a bio-compatible plastic. Additionally, the sutureretainer may be constructed of multiple pieces, wherein the sutureretainer and lever are assembled utilizing known methods of mechanicalfastening or through the use of an adhesive. It is further contemplatedthat the suture retainer and lever may be integrally formed, such asthrough the use of injection molding.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 there is shown the distal end portion of thesuture trimmer 10 in accordance with the present invention in use. Asshown, a suture loop 150 has been formed utilizing a length of suture,wherein the suture loop includes a knot K and two free ends, S and S′,of suture extending therefrom.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the suture retainer 28 has been withdrawn intothe bore of the shaft assembly 20 thereby allowing at least one free endof suture S to be disposed through the groove 54 formed in the fittingand groove 19 formed in the wall of the elongated member 25 and extendout the opening 23 formed in the side of the elongated member 25.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the distal tip of the suturetrimmer in accordance with the present invention wherein the sutureretainer 28 has been released. The biasing member is coupled to theproximal end of the suture retainer, causing the suture retainer toadvance distally and be received within the bore of the distal end ofthe shaft assembly. As shown the suture protector 26 shields the sutureS, S′ from the edge of the opening 23 formed in the elongated member 25.The suture protector 26 ensures that the free end of the suture S cannotcontact the edge of the opening 23 formed in the elongated member 25which may be sharp. If the suture were allowed to contact the edge ofthe opening, a nick or cut may be formed in the suture, this may lead tofailure of the suture before the knot can be advanced and tightened byapplying a force to the free end of the suture. If the suture were tofail the surgeon would be required to place a second suture loopadjacent to the first suture loop and repeat the process of advancingand tightening the knot. Therefore, the suture protector 26 prevents thesuture from being cut or abraded by the edge of the opening which maylead to failure of the suture.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a partial view of the distal tipof the suture trimmer 10 in accordance with the present inventionwherein the cutting member 60 has been actuated to cut the sutures afterthe suture loop has been tightened as shown. Upon actuation, the cuttingedge 63 advances from a shielded position within the distal tip portionof the shaft assembly 20. The cutting member 60 is advanced from theshielded position by applying a force to the lever 45, the lever 45being coupled to the proximal end of the cutting member 10. As describedabove, the cutting member 60 is actuated by pulling back on the lever45, thereby advancing the lever towards the proximal end of the suturetrimmer 10 and compressing a second biasing member disposed within thehandle. As shown the cutting member 60 includes a sharpened cutting edge63. It is further contemplated that the proximal edge 23′ of the opening23 may also be sharpened to assist in cutting the suture. As describedabove and illustrated in FIG. 7, the cutting member 60 of the suturetrimmer 10 moves relative to the elongated member 25 of the shaftassembly 20.

Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of asuture trimmer 100 in accordance with the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8, the suture trimmer 100 comprises a handle 130, an elongatedshaft assembly 120, a distal tip fitting 150, a first lever 145 and asecond lever 141. As shown in FIG. 8, the first lever 145 is configuredto rotate R about the handle 130 in addition to being configured to betranslated along an axis extending through the handle 130. The secondlever 141 is configured to translate along an axis extending through thehandle 130. The functionality of the first and second levers will bedescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 9. It isfurther contemplated that the first lever 145 may be embodied having agenerally cylindrical shape and being disposed about the distal end ofthe handle. For example, the first lever 145 may be a ring.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown the elongated shaft assembly 120of the suture trimmer 100. As shown the elongated shaft assembly 120comprises a hollow elongated member 125 having a proximal end 129 and adistal end 127. An opening 123 is formed in the wall of the elongatedmember 125 adjacent to the distal end 127 thereof. The opening 123further configured to include a sharpened cutting edge. The sharpenedcutting edge 118 being formed on the proximal end of the opening 123.The elongated member 125 may be constructed of a bio-compatible metalsuch as stainless steel, titanium or a bio-compatible coated material.Alternatively, the elongated member may be constructed of abio-compatible plastic. The elongated member in a preferred embodimenthas a circular cross-sectional profile, though it is contemplated thatthe elongated member may be constructed having other cross-sectionalprofiles such as square, triangular, or oval.

A suture retaining member 128 is disposed within the bore of theelongated member 125. The suture retaining member 128 includes anelongated member having a proximal end 137 and a distal end 131. Asuture receiving groove 133 is formed in the distal end of the sutureretaining member. The suture retaining member 128 is slidably androtatably disposed within the bore of the elongated member 125. Thesuture retaining member 128 may be coaxially disposed within the bore ofthe elongated member 125, or arranged in an offset manner. The proximalend of the suture retaining member is coupled to the first and secondlevers of the suture trimming device, the function of which will bedescribed in detail below.

The shaft assembly 120 may further include a fitting 150 may be disposedadjacent to the distal end 127 of the shaft assembly 120. The fitting150 having a cross-sectional size no greater than that of the elongatedmember 125. The fitting 150 further including a groove 154 formedtherein, wherein the groove 154 is configured to receive at least onelength of suture therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the groove 154is configured to receive at least two sutures therethrough. The distalface of the fitting 150 is configured to engage a knot formed in asuture loop, thereby enabling the suture trimmer 100 to be utilized as aknot positioner and advance the knot to an incision site. The face ofthe fitting may be formed having a convex, concave, or flat surface.Alternatively, the face may be formed at an angle relative to an axisextending through the shaft assembly.

As shown in FIG. 9, the proximal end 129 of the shaft assembly 120 isconnected to a handle 130. Handle 130 comprises a generally cylindricalcasing 180 having an open interior chamber 135 and an axial slot 138 asshown in FIG. 8. A slider assembly 210 is reciprocatably disposed withinthe chamber 135, the slider assembly having a proximal end 281 and adistal end 282, the distal end 282 coupled to the proximal end 137 ofthe suture retainer 128. The slider assembly further including a firstlever 145 and a second lever 141 coupled to the slider assembly 210 asshown in FIG. 8. A biasing member 290 is further disposed within thechamber 135 wherein the biasing member 290 is disposed in a spaceproximal the proximal end of the slider, the biasing member applying aforce to the slider assembly so that the slider will remain in adistally advanced position. It is further contemplated that the suturetrimmer 100 may include more than one biasing member. For example, twobiasing members may be provided in combination and configured to providea progressive spring rate.

The handle, slider, and levers may be manufactured of materials such asmetals or plastics. In a preferred embodiment, the handle and levers aremanufactured of plastic utilizing an injection molding process.

As shown in FIG. 9 the slider assembly 210 is constructed of a firstmember 280 having a proximal end 281, a distal end 282, a reduceddiameter portion 284 and an enlarged diameter portion 286 disposedtherebetween. The first member 280 further includes a plurality ofmembers 285 disposed radially about a reduced diameter portion 284 ofthe first member 280. A rotating ring 200 is rotatably disposed aboutthe reduced diameter portion 284. The rotating ring further includes andengaging member 205, wherein the engaging member is configured to engageone of the plurality of members 285 extending radially about the reduceddiameter portion.

The proximal end 281 is further configured to receive a basing means290. The biasing means may comprise a spring, elastic foam or devicesthat have similar mechanical properties.

The slider assembly and the suture retainer may be constructed as aunitary member or alternatively may be constructed of multiple pieceswhich are then assembled using known manufacturing methods.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the first lever 145 is coupled to the rotatingring 200, wherein a pin (not shown) is utilized to couple the firstlever 145 to the rotating ring 200. By applying a rotational force 289to the rotating ring causes the engaging member 205 to engage at leastone of the plurality of members 285, thereby causing the suture retainer280 to rotate within the shaft assembly 120. The second lever 141, shownin FIG. 8, is coupled to the increased diameter portion 285 of theslider assembly 210. The second lever 141 may be connected through theuse of a pin (not shown) disposed within the increased diameter portion,the pin extending through a groove formed in the handle as shown in FIG.8. A force may be applied to the second lever, thereby causing thesuture retainer 128 and the second lever to be displaced proximally, thesuture retainer 128 moving proximally within the elongated member 125 ofthe shaft assembly 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, there is shown a partial view of thedistal tip of the suture trimmer 100 in accordance with the presentinvention disposed in various states of use, each of which will bedescribed in detail below with reference to the figures.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown the distal end of the suturetrimmer 100, wherein the suture retaining member 128 is shown disposedin a distally advanced position. A suture loop has been formed in tissueas shown, the suture loop comprises a knot K formed in a loop of suture,wherein the two free ends S and S′ of the suture extend from the knot.

Referring now to FIG. 11 there is shown the distal tip, wherein thesuture retainer 128 has been retracted within the elongated member ofthe shaft assembly 120 by applying a force to the second lever 141. Thetwo free ends of the suture as disposed through a groove 154 formed inthe fitting 150 and distal end of the elongated member 125, the two freeends of suture extend through the opening 123 formed within theelongated member 125.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown the distal tip of the suturetrimmer 100 wherein the force applied to the second lever 141 has beenreleased, thereby allowing the suture retaining member 128 to advancedistally within the bore of the elongated member 125. As shown, in FIG.12, the two free ends of the suture extend through the opening 133formed in the distal end of the suture retaining member 128.Additionally, a rotational force has been applied to the first lever145, causing the suture retaining member to rotate within the bore ofthe shaft assembly. By rotating the suture retaining member 128, thegroove 154 is effectively closed, thus retaining the two free ends ofthe suture within the distal tip of the suture trimmer 100. Furthermore,by rotating the suture retaining member 128 as shown this aligns the twofree ends of the suture with the sharpened cutting edge 163 formed inthe proximal end 123′ of the opening 123. Additionally, as shown, thedistal end of the fitting has been utilized to advance the knot K ontothe tissue, whereby the knot K can be tightened by pulling up on one ofthe free ends of the suture S/S′.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown the suture loop after an axialforce has been applied to the first lever 145 thereby retracting thesuture retaining member 128 within the bore of the elongated member andadvancing the two free ends of the suture into contact with thesharpened cutting edge 163 formed in the opening 123, whereby thesharpened cutting edge 163 severs the free ends of the suture adjacentto the knot K as shown.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 8-13, it shall be understoodthat the cutting member of the suture trimmer 100 remains stationary inuse. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, a piece of suture to be severed is broughtto the cutting edge. The suture us severed due to the interferencebetween the suture, the opening 133 formed in the suture retainingmember 128 and the cutting edge 118.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-18 there is shown an alternative suturetrimmer 300 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG.14, the suture trimmer 300 comprises a handle portion 330, a shaftassembly 320 and a fitting 350 disposed on the distal end of the shaftassembly. The handle 330, shaft assembly 320 and fitting 350, of thesuture trimmer 300 is similar to each of those described above. Withregard to FIGS. 15-18, there is shown the suture trimmer 300 inaccordance with FIG. 14 in use.

Referring now to FIG. 15 there is shown yet another alternativeembodiment of a suture trimmer in accordance with the present invention.As shown in FIG. 15, the suture trimmer 300 includes a shaft assembly, afitting disposed on the distal tip of the shaft assembly and a lever.The suture trimmer 300 includes a retractable, indicated by referencenumber 400, elongated member 325 connected to a lever 345, the leverconnected to a handle. In addition to being retractable, the elongatedmember 325 is further configured to rotate, indicated by the referencenumber 410, about an axis extending between the distal end and proximalend of the suture trimmer 300.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown the distal tip of the suturetrimmer 300 wherein the elongated member 325 of the shaft assembly 320has been retracted, thereby exposing the groove 354 through which thefree end(s) of the suture may be disposed as shown.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown the distal tip, wherein theforce applied to retract the elongated member 325 has been released,thereby allowing the elongated member 325 to advance as shown. Theelongated member 325 is utilized to close the groove 354 when advancedin a distal position as shown in FIG. 16, thereby retaining the freeends of the sutures within the groove 354 as shown. Furthermore, afterallowing the elongated member to advance as shown, the distal tip of thesuture trimmer may be utilized to advance the knot K and substantiallyclose the suture loop. Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown thedistal tip of the suture trimmer 300, wherein the elongated member 325has been rotated counter-clockwise relative to the suture retainer 328.By rotating the elongated member 325 as shown, draws the free ends ofthe suture to a cutting edge 363 formed in the elongated member 325.

Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown the suture trimmer 300 inaccordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, theelongated member 325 has been retracted relative to the suture retainingmember 328. By retracting the elongated member 325, the free ends of thesuture are brought into contact with the cutting edge 363 formed withinthe elongated member 325, thus trimming the free ends of the sutureclose to the knot K as shown.

Although the suture trimmer 300 is described wherein the elongated bodyis rotated relative to the suture retaining member 128, it iscontemplated that the elongated member may be held stationary and thesuture retaining member may be rotated therein. Still further it iscontemplated that both the elongated member and the suture retainingmember may be rotated respectively.

Still further, it shall be understood that although the embodimentsillustrated herein have been described as utilizing levers toadvance/actuate/move various features disposed within or upon the suturetrimmers it shall be understood that other mechanical devices andassemblies may be utilized to perform the same tasks without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments, it is contemplated thatone skilled in the art may make modifications to the device hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scopeof the appended claims should not be considered limited to theembodiments described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A suture trimmer, the suture trimmercomprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an axistherebetween, the shaft having a groove formed in the side thereof, thegroove in communication with an opening formed in the side of the shaft,the opening disposed proximal the distal end; a fitting disposed withina bore of the distal end of the shaft, the fitting having across-sectional size no greater than a cross-sectional size of thedistal end of the shaft, a tapered distal end portion, and a groove incommunication with the groove formed in the side of the shaft; a cuttingmember slidably disposed within the shaft; and a suture retainerslidably disposed within the shaft.
 2. The suture trimmer according toclaim 1, wherein suture trimmer further includes a handle, the handledisposed adjacent the proximal end of the shaft.
 3. The suture trimmeraccording to claim 2, wherein the handle further includes a first leverand a second lever, the first lever operatively coupled to the sutureretainer and the second lever operatively coupled to the cutting member.4. The suture trimmer according to claim 3, wherein the main handlefurther includes at least one biasing member, the biasing memberconnected to at least one of the cutting member and suture retainer. 5.The suture trimmer according to claim 4, wherein the cutting memberincludes a sharpened portion, the sharpened portion adapted to engage afitting to sever suture when suture is disposed through the groove andopening.
 6. The suture trimmer according to claim 5, wherein thesharpened edge of the cutting member is retracted within the shaft untilwithdrawn by applying a force to the second lever.
 7. The suture trimmeraccording to claim 6, wherein the suture is disposed within the grooveand opening by retracting a suture guide within the shaft by applying aforce to the first lever.
 8. A method for trimming suture, the methodcomprising: disposing a suture loop within tissue of a patient, thesuture loop including at least one knot and at least one free end ofsuture; disposing the free end of suture through a groove and an openingformed in a distal end of a suture trimmer, wherein the suture trimmercomprises a fitting disposed within a bore of the distal end of thesuture trimmer, the fitting having a cross-sectional size no greaterthan a cross-sectional size of the distal end of the suture trimmer, atapered distal end portion, and a groove in communication with thegroove formed in the side of the suture trimmer; and actuating a cuttingmember within the suture trimmer, the cutting member configured to severthe suture disposed in the opening.
 9. The method according to claim 8,further including positioning the knot with the distal tip of the suturetrimmer.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein disposing the freeend of the suture through a groove and opening comprises retracting asuture retainer within the suture trimmer.
 11. The method according toclaim 10, wherein activating a cutting member comprises applying a forceto a lever in communication with the cutting member, the cutting memberbeing retracted from a shielded position within a shaft of the suturetrimmer to an exposed position, the exposed position configured to trimthe suture.
 12. A suture trimmer, the suture trimmer comprising: a shafthaving a proximal end and a distal end defining an axis therebetween,the shaft including a groove formed in the side thereof, the groove incommunication with an opening formed in the side of the shaft, theopening disposed proximal the distal end; a fitting disposed within abore of the distal end of the shaft, the fitting having across-sectional size no greater than a cross-sectional size of thedistal end of the shaft, a tapered distal end portion, and a groove incommunication with the groove formed in the side of the shaft; a cuttingmember formed within an edge of the opening; and a suture retainerhaving a proximal end and a distal end, the suture retainer disposedwithin a bore of the shaft.
 13. The suture trimmer according to claim12, wherein the suture trimmer further includes a handle, the handleconnected to the proximal end of the suture retainer.
 14. The suturetrimmer according to claim 13, wherein the suture trimmer furtherincludes at least one biasing member disposed within a chamber of thehandle, the biasing member operatively connected to the shaft.
 15. Thesuture trimmer according to claim 14, wherein the suture trimmer furtherincludes at least one lever, the lever operatively connected to theshaft.
 16. The suture trimmer according to claim 15, wherein the shaftmay be moved relative to the suture retainer wherein the cutting edge ofthe shaft is configured to sever suture when suture is disposed throughthe groove and opening.
 17. The suture retainer according to claim 12,wherein the suture retainer includes a handle, the handle including atleast one lever, the lever operatively connected to the suture retainer.18. The suture retainer according to claim 17, wherein the handle isrotatable relative to the axis of the shaft and configured to rotate thesuture retainer relative to the shaft assembly.
 19. The suture retaineraccording to claim 18, wherein the suture retainer includes a secondlever, the second lever operatively coupled to the suture retainer, thesecond lever and suture retainer further configured to move along theaxis of the shaft when a force is applied thereto.
 20. The sutureretainer according to claim 19, wherein the suture retainer furtherincludes at least one biasing member disposed within a chamber of thehandle, the biasing member operatively connected to the suture retainer.